COMIC Paul O'Grady made his first public appearance since a life-threatening heart attack at the British Soap Awards.

COMIC Paul O'Grady made his first public appearance since a life-threatening heart attack at the British Soap Awards.

The Merseyside star, who has cut back his smoking after the health scare last month, joked: "Lambert and Butler have had to lay off 200 staff".

O'Grady, whose alter ego is Lily Savage, was presenting awards at Saturday night's ceremony in London, in which Brookside won two gongs.

He thanked well-wishers who had helped him through the health crisis.

The Blankety-Blank host had to undergo surgery following the heart problem. He said: "I was so whacked up on valium, it was marvellous. It was the best night out I've ever had.

"I'd just like to say I've got a lot of mates in the audience tonight, thank you very much for what you've done for me.

"People have sent cards and letters and dolls and teddy bears and flowers, flowers, flowers. I could have opened a florists.

"I'd like to say from the bottom of my now mended heart, thank you very much." Brookside's teen star Raymond Quinn was given a standing ovation for his role as bullied Anthony in the Mersey soap, which earned him the award for best dramatic performance.